[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 66 (Thursday, May 10, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E776]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       HONORING THE WEST ESSEX FIRST AID SQUAD'S 75TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. RODNEY P. FRELINGHUYSEN

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 10, 2012

  Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the West Essex 
First Aid Squad, located in the Township of West Caldwell, Essex 
County, New Jersey as they celebrate their 75th anniversary.
  The West Essex First Aid Squad formed in November of 1937, when a 
group of local citizens joined together to solve the problem of 
obtaining a prompt and efficient ``First Aid and Ambulance'' service to 
meet the needs of the sick and injured. Two months later, the group had 
completed training, and on January 7, 1938 the West Essex First Aid 
Squad answered its first call for help.
  During its early years, from 1937 to 1941, the Squad answered 543 
calls for assistance and contributed 2,402 man-hours answering those 
calls, additional hours were logged for training and practicing. During 
its second 5 years from 1942 to 1947, the number of calls more than 
tripled to 1,759.
  The West Essex First Aid Squad now includes 85 volunteer members who 
serve Caldwell, West Caldwell, North Caldwell, Essex Fells, and 
Fairfield. The Squad's four ambulances and one rescue truck provide 24-
hour emergency medical service to the community, as well as rescue with 
the Jaws of Life, all at no cost to the public they serve. In 2007 and 
2008, the Squad received more than 2,500 calls each year.
  Men and women of the West Essex First Aid Squad have demonstrated a 
marked commitment to the public by dedicating their time and resources 
to providing lifesaving services to the community. The Squad is always 
available to provide aid to local fire departments. The Squad also 
provides support during hazardous material incidents, structure fires, 
and natural disasters.
  The West Essex First Aid Squad has exhibited dedication to serving 
the community by answering a full spectrum of calls for help, ranging 
from complaints of chest pain or difficulty breathing, to motor vehicle 
collisions. The volunteers further serve the community by standing by 
at community events such as football games, parades, concerts, and 4th 
of July fireworks. Members have not only volunteered their time to the 
Squad and to public events, but have also sponsored blood drives and 
donated their time and talents in offering first aid and CPR 
instruction to members of the community.
  The West Essex First Aid Squad is truly a selfless group of 
individuals, devoted to providing basic life support services, 
emergency medical services, and heavy rescue to the public. Through 
their steadfast dedication to addressing the needs of area families and 
businesses, the West Essex First Aid Squad has proved itself to be a 
pillar of our community.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in congratulating 
the West Essex First Aid Squad as they celebrate their Seventy-fifth 
Anniversary.

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